Village taking steps to seek 3 renewal levies

Village aiming to place three levy renewals on Nov. 3 ballot

Voters last approved all three of these five-year issues in the November 2016 election.

Fairport Harbor Village voters might get the chance to decide the fate of three levy renewals in the Nov. 3 general election.

Village Council recently passed three separate resolutions expressing its desire to place renewal levies on the ballot for police and fire department operations, and for construction and repairs of streets, roads and bridges in the community.

Fairport Harbor voters last approved all three of these five-year issues in the November 2016 election.

“The police, fire and road levies are all renewal levies — no additional money is being requested,” village Mayor Timothy Manross said.

“We are very fortunate that Village Council, the administration, and our staff continue to work together to find ways to save, and stretch, every dollar, in order to offer the best services to our residents.”

Village Council, during its July 21 meeting held remotely by video conference, voted unanimously to submit the levy resolutions to the Lake County Elections Board.

Local questions and issues for the Nov. 3 election must be submitted to the Elections Board by 4 p.m., Aug. 5.

It’s anticipated that the panel will hold a meeting by Aug. 21 to certify or reject questions and issues, as well as candidates, for the November ballot.

If the Elections Board gives its authorization, Fairport Harbor voters will decide these three five-year levy renewals on Nov. 3:

• A 3.9-mill police levy renewal.

Renewal of the police levy would cost taxpayers $119.63 for each $100,000 of property valuation, and raise $195,772 per year, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

“The Fairport Harbor Police Department has worked diligently to provide safety services to the Fairport Harbor community with a minimal level of staffing,” Police Chief J.P. Leonard said.

“The support of the police levy will help us to maintain our equipment, support our officers and ensure public safety. We are truly grateful for the community’s continued support as we navigate these challenging times.”

• A 2.5-mill fire levy renewal.

Renewal of the fire levy would cost taxpayers $76.69 for each $100,000 of property valuation, and raise $125,495 per year, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

“The levy is critical to the Fairport Harbor Fire Department to enable us to continue to provide quality, efficient services to the community,” Fire Chief Bob Lloyd said.

“We thank the residents for the passage of the previous levy and appreciate the support.”

Lloyd said revenue from the fire levy is used for equipment only.

“No salaries can be paid from it,” he said.

Revenue generated by the current five-year levy was used to replace a 1992 fire engine and a 2006 rescue squad, Lloyd said.

Other equipment purchased with levy funding included new fire hose and nozzles, several sets of turnout gear and several helmets.

In addition, Lloyd said levy revenue paid the department’s share of a Regional Assistance to Firefighters Grant that purchased 14 self contained breathing apparatuses.

If the renewal fire levy is approved, funding will be allocated to purchase a new rescue squad, replacing a 17-year-old model; and continue efforts to replace firefighting turnout gear and equipment, the chief said.

“Any resident with questions (about the fire levy) can email or call me to have them answered,” Lloyd said.

• A 1.9-mill road levy renewal.

If the road levy is renewed, it would cost taxpayers $58.28 for each $100,000 of property valuation, and raise $95,337 per year, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

The resolution approved by council states that this levy will “provide funds for the purpose of the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads and bridges in the village.”

As of July 27, there were 2,147 registered voters in Fairport Harbor who would be eligible to vote on the levies in November.